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MAJOR EVENTS IN THE CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE JAINS
The history of the first twenty-two tirthankaras is very ancient and is provided by the it our present
history of Jainism can conveniently be divided into four broad periods: pre-historic, ancient, medieval, and modern.
• The pre-historic period, from 15th century BCE to the 8th century BCE.
⚫ The ancient period, between the 8th century BCE and the 5th century CE.
• The medieval period, from 5th century CE and the 14th century CE.
• The modern period, from the 14th century CE to the present day. Owing to a lack of authentic historical literature, many of the dates are approximate. Other than giving biographical information on the tirthankaras, Jain texts say little about history; however, in the table below, known major Jain historical events are compared with dates and events in Indian and world history. Most Indian dynasties were sympathetic to Jainism, certain of them observed Jainism as their religion or actively supported it, but persecution of the Jains was undertaken by other dynasties.
The dynasties in Avanti (North India) for 605 years after Mahavira were: Paalaka (60 years), The Nandas (155 years). The Mauryas (108 years), Pusyamitra (30 years). Balmitra and Bhaanumitra (60 years), Nahavarana (40 years), Gaddabhilla (13 years), The Sakas (4) years, and Vikrama (135 years). The Saka King followed them (Jain J. 1964: p.259, as Tapaagaccha pattavali list). Records of South Indian dynasties are not available in Jain texts. For the sake of convenience, historical events are grouped together in most cases in periods of 200 years.
Date
4500-1500 BCE
APPENDIX 1
1500-800 BCE
Events in Jain History
Oral Jain texts. (Ancient
written texts:
events pre4500 BCE).
Prominent Persons/
Places Twenty-two tirthankaras.
379
Events/Prominent Persons in Indian
History Rigveda mentions sramana tradition, Rishabhdeva and Neminatha.
Indus Valley
Civilisation at
Mohenjodaro artefacts of nude
figures, perhaps of Jain yogis in standing postures.
Events/Prominent Persons in World History Aryans destroy Indus valley civilisation and settle in India.
Beginning of Jewish religion (worship of Yahweh) c.1200
BCE.
